Under the Dome: February 11, 2012

All 15 state budget bills were introduced on Monday, and second read on Tuesday of this week; HB 2001-2014 & 2019.

ABORTION

HB 1075 Introduced by Representative Sater (R), prohibits a licensed pharmacy from being required to carry or maintain in inventory any specific prescription or nonprescription drug or device. Reported do pass out of the House Rules Committee on Monday.

CRIME

HB 1083 Introduced by Representative Wells (R), prohibits all drivers, regardless of age, from text messaging while operating a moving vehicle unless the device being used is equipped with technology allowing for voice-recognition hands-free texting. Referred to the House Crime Committee on Monday.

HB 1419 Introduced by Representative Colona (D), prohibits all drivers, regardless of age, from text messaging while operating a moving motor vehicle on any highway in this state and prohibits anyone from being stopped solely to determine compliance. Referred to the House Crime Committee on Monday.

HB 1430 Introduced by Representative Kratky (D), prohibits all drivers, regardless of age, from text messaging while operating a moving vehicle unless the device being used is equipped with technology allowing for voice-recognition hands-free texting. Referred to the House Crime Committee on Monday.

HB 1645 Introduced by Representative Fisher (R), authorizes the expungement of certain misdemeanor offenses after a period of eight years. Second read on Monday.

HB 1656 Introduced by Representative Webber (D), extends the sunset of the cyber crime law enforcement task force. First read in the House on Monday.

HB 1654 Introduced by Representative Kirkton (D), exempts animal shelters from licensure fees for animal care facilities. First read in the House on Monday.

HB 1175 Introduced by Representative Lair (R), requires certain offenders 60 years of age or older serving a sentence of life without parole for a minimum of 50 years to receive a parole hearing. Referred to the House Corrections Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1196 Introduced by Representative Cauthorn (R), changes the laws regarding a landowner’s liability as it applies to an individual trespassing on the owner’s land. Referred to the House Crime Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1289 Introduced by Representative Higdon (R), prevents the use of electronic records from a smart meter as evidence in a criminal prosecution and imposes a civil penalty on a utility for transferring these records to anyone for any purpose. Referred to the House Utilities Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1328 Introduced by Representative Cox (R), changes the laws regarding the sale and possession of controlled substances. Referred to the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1420 Introduced by Representative Colona (D), establishes a commission on the death penalty and places a moratorium on all executions until January 1, 2015. Referred to the House Crime Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1468 Introduced by Representative Higdon (R), requires the Amber Alert System Oversight Committee to adopt criteria to expand the Amber Alert System to provide peace officer safety alerts. Referred to the House Crime Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1474 Introduced by Representative Hubbard (D), prohibits the Department of Corrections from charging an intervention fee to an inmate when he or she leaves prison. Referred to the House Corrections Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1650 Introduced by Representative Spreng (D), allows school districts and charter schools to establish and implement an age-appropriate curriculum to educate students about domestic violence. Second read in the House on Tuesday.

HB 1654 Introduced by Representative Kirkton (D), exempts animal shelters from licensure fees for animal care facilities. Second read in the House on Tuesday.

HB 1656 Introduced by Representative Webber (D), extends the sunset of the cyber crime law enforcement task force. Second read in the House on Tuesday.

HB 1658 Introduced by Representative Molendorp (R), changes the penalty for failure to maintain motor vehicle financial responsibility. Second read in the House on Tuesday.

HB 1677 Introduced by Representative Ellinger (D), allows petitions for expungement of certain criminal records. First read in the House on Tuesday.

HB 1690 Introduced by Representative May (D), changes the definitions and expungement of records requirements for criminal nonsupport convictions. Second read in the House on Thursday.

SB 758 Introduced by Senator Wasson (R), changes the laws regarding hotline calls and investigations of child abuse and neglect to the Children’s Division. First read in the Senate on Tuesday.

SB 760 Introduced by Senator Dempsey (R), allows hunting privileges to be denied for up to 10 years for any person who kills someone else while hunting. First read in the Senate on Tuesday.

SJR 49 Introduced by Senator Rupp (R), prohibits laws interfering with religious beliefs. First read in the Senate on Tuesday.

HCS HB 1169 Introduced by Representative Franz (R), changes the laws regarding the investigation of a report of child abuse that arises from a spanking in a school. Referred to the House Rules Committee on Wednesday and referred to the House Rules Committee on Thursday.

HB 1681 Introduced by Representative Neth (R), increases the penalty for the crime of assault on a police animal to a class A misdemeanor. Second read in the House on Wednesday and second read in the House on Thursday.

HB 1683 Introduced by Representative Brattin (R), requires 911 operators to receive training on state laws regarding self-defense and defense of others. Second read in the House on Thursday.

HB 1686 Introduced by Representative Talboy (D), prohibits the discharge of a firearm within or into a municipality with criminal negligence. Second read in the House on Thursday.

HB 1688 Introduced by Representative Guernsey (R), creates liability for any organization or entity that reintroduces any species of animal into this state for damages caused by such animal species. Second read in the House on Thursday.

HB 1689 Introduced by Representative Sommer (R), changes the elements of the crime of abuse of a child to include Shaken Baby Syndrome. Second read in the House on Thursday.

HB 1698 Introduced by Representative Redmon (R), creates the crime of obstruction of justice. First read in the House on Thursday.

HCS HB 1193 Introduced by Representative Frederick (R), establishes the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Act to monitor the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances. Referred to the House Rules Committee on Thursday.

HB 1699 Introduced by Representative Schad (R), establishes crimes for the failure to report illegal conduct regarding prescription medications. First read in the House on Thursday.

HB 1700 Introduced by Representative Schad (R), requires classification of sex offenders, creates a sex offender classification board, creates a sex offender classification fund, and revises various laws dealing with sex offender registration. First read in the House on Thursday.

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

HB 1498 Introduced by Representative Hough (R), allows most liquor license holders to apply for a license to sell liquor at retail on Sundays. Referred to the House General Laws Committee on Monday.

EDUCATION

HB 1609 Introduced by Representative Nasheed (D), requires each school district to ensure that every student develops a personal plan of study prior to the end of the student’s seventh grade year. Referred to the House Education Committee on Monday.

HB 1610 Introduced by Representative Nasheed (D), raises the compulsory school attendance age to 18 in all school districts unless the student has successfully completed 16 credits towards high school graduation. Referred to the House Education Committee on Monday.

HB 1631 Introduced by Representative Walton Gray (D), requires school districts to consider the adoption of dating abuse curriculum and policies. Second read on Monday.

HB 1650 Introduced by Representative Spreng (D), allows school districts and charter schools to establish and implement an age-appropriate curriculum to educate students about domestic violence. First read in the House on Monday.

SB 751 Introduced by Senator Schaaf (R), relating to the length of the school day. First read in the Senate on Monday.

HB 1217 Introduced by Representative McNeil (R), changes the laws regarding the lapse of a school district when it has been unaccredited by the State Board of Education for two successive school years. Referred to the House Education Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1502 Introduced by Representative Caleb Jones (R), creates the Higher Education Capital Fund to provide matching funds to public colleges and universities for capital projects under certain circumstances. Referred to the House Education Committee on Tuesday.

HCS HB 1042 Introduced by Representative Thomson (R), adds additional duties to those of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education within the Department of Higher Education. Referred to the House Rules Committee on Wednesday.

HCS HB 1042 Introduced by Representative Thomson (R), adds additional duties to those of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education within the Department of Higher Education and gives it authority to charge for specific services. Referred to the House Rules Committee on Thursday.

HCS HB 1174 Introduced by Representative Lair (R), changes the laws regarding school accreditation by authorizing the State Board of Education to establish an alternative governing structure for a failing school district. Referred to the House Rules Committee on Thursday.

HB 1708 Introduced by Representative Bahr (R), prohibits the state board of education and DESE from adopting or implementing the Common Core State Standards developed by the Common Core Standards Initiative. First read in the House on Thursday.

HCR 34 Introduced by Representative Bahr (R), rejects any policies and procedures that would be incumbent on Missouri based on the Common Core Standards Initiative required for participation in Race to the Top. Offered in the House on Thursday.

ELECTIONS

HB 1104 Introduced by Representative Schoeller (R), changes the laws regarding elections by requiring a voter to provide photo identification. Taken up on the House floor for perfection, but was laid over on Monday, but was third read and passed through the House on Thursday.

HB 1226 Introduced by Representative Brattin (R), prohibits a member of the General Assembly from being eligible to receive a retirement benefit based on his or her service unless he or she has served 16 years in the General Assembly. Heard in the House Retirement Committee on Monday.

HB 1250 Introduced by Representative Ruzicka (R), allows certain third class cities to cancel any primary election for the office of mayor and councilman. Reported do pass out of the House Rules Committee on Monday.

HB 1648 Introduced by Representative Nasheed (D), allows the board of election authorities in Kansas City and St. Louis to establish voter centers. First read in the House on Monday.

HB 1653 Introduced by Representative Kelly (D), requires certain tax records to be disclosed to the Missouri Ethics Commission by certain entities giving more than twenty-five thousand dollars in campaign contributions. First read in the House on Monday.

HJR 47 Introduced by Representative Dugger (R), proposes a constitutional amendment changing the number of voter signatures that are required to place an initiative petition or a referendum on a ballot. Referred to the House Elections Committee on Monday.

HJR 52 Introduced by Representative Ruzicka (R), proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds majority for voter approval of any initiative petition relating to harvesting bird, fish, game, wildlife, or forestry resources. Referred to the House Tourism and Natural Resources Committee on Monday.

HJR 63 Introduced by Representative Loehner (R), proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a four-sevenths voter majority approval of an initiative petition related to crop production, livestock, or agriculture in order for it to take effect. Referred to the House Agriculture Committee on Monday.

HJR 64 Introduced by Representative Curtman (R), proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting any person, employer, or health care provider from being compelled to participate in any health care system. Referred to the House General Laws Committee on Monday.

HB 1036 Introduced by Representative Dugger (R), repeals the provision that requires a political party’s emblem to be printed on an election ballot above the party caption. Perfected in the House on Tuesday.

HB 1104 Introduced by Representative Schoeller (R), changes the laws regarding elections by requiring a voter to provide photo identification. Perfected in the House on Tuesday.

HB 1236 Introduced by Representative Entlicher (R), changes the laws regarding the Fair Ballot Access Act by repealing the provision which requires a petition to form a new political party to contain the name of a resident of each Congressional district. Heard in the House Elections Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1263 Introduced by Representative Fallert (D), requires anyone requesting 10 or more voter registration applications to provide certain information to the Office of the Secretary of State. Referred to the House Elections Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1365 Introduced by Representative Lasater (R), prohibits a felon from qualifying as a candidate for elected office in cities of the fourth classification. Heard in the House Elections Committee on Tuesday.

HCS HB 1442 Introduced by Representative Jason Smith (R), fills a vacancy in the office of United States Senator, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, or State Treasurer by appointment by General Assembly or special election. Referred to the House Rules Committee on Tuesday.

HCS HB 1457 Introduced by Representative Crawford (R), requires a candidate for county treasurer to file a signed affidavit stating that the candidate meets the minimum bond requirements for the office of county treasurer. Voted do pass out of the House Elections Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1648 Introduced by Representative Nasheed (D), allows the board of election authorities in Kansas City and St. Louis to establish voter centers. Second read in the House on Tuesday.

HB 1653 Introduced by Representative Kelly (D), requires certain tax records to be disclosed to the Missouri Ethics Commission by certain entities giving more than twenty-five thousand dollars in campaign contributions. Second read in the House on Tuesday.

HCS HJR 41 Introduced by Representative Nasheed (D), proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting anyone elected to the General Assembly after November 1, 2008, from serving more than 12 years in any one house nor more than 24 years total in both houses. Voted do pass out of the House Elections Committee, and referred to the Rules Committee on Wednesday.

HJR 75 Introduced by Representative Neth (R), proposes a constitutional amendment allowing any 17-year old to vote in a presidential primary election if he or she will be 18 at the time of the general election. First read in the House on Tuesday.

HB 1682 Introduced by Representative Wyatt (R), prohibits state departments from contracting with or providing money to any entity that has been found guilty of or pled guilty to violating any election, tax, or immigration law of this state. Second read in the House on Wednesday

HB 1692 Introduced by Representative Entlicher (R), revises the oath that election judges take prior to being commissioned or beginning duties by requiring them to swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and of Missouri. Second read in the House on Wednesday.

HJR 77 Introduced by Representative Funderburk (R), proposes a constitutional amendment requiring partisan election of state judges. Second read in the House on Wednesday. HJR 77 Introduced by Representative Funderburk (R), proposes a constitutional amendment requiring partisan election of state judges. Second read in the House on Thursday.

FAMILY

HB 1576 Introduced by Representative Largent (R), allows certain foster parents to purchase health insurance through the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan. Referred to the House Children and Families Committee on Monday.

HB 1296 Introduced by Representative Davis (R), establishes the custody and visitation rights of a deploying military parent. Referred to the House Veterans Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1678 Introduced by Representative Long (R), changes the laws regarding midwifery. First read in the House on Tuesday.

HCS HB 1220 Introduced by Representative Hubbard (D), requires the Department of Corrections to establish a two-year pilot project to increase the access that children have to their incarcerated mothers. Referred to the House Rules Committee on Wednesday

IMMIGRATION

HB 1185 Introduced by Representative Parkinson (R), adds citizenship information to the sexual offender registration form and requires the State Highway Patrol to report to the federal government any non-U.S. citizen on the sexual offender registry. Reported do pass out of the House Rules Committee on Monday.

HB 1186 Introduced by Representative Parkinson (R), requires Missouri driver’s license examinations to only be administered in English. Reported do pass out of the House Rules Committee on Monday.

TAXES

HB 1313 Introduced by Representative Nolte (R), limits the increase in assessed valuation of residential property by the percentage of increase in the Social Security benefits for the elderly and disabled who own and live in their principal residence. Referred to the House Local Government Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1341 Introduced by Representative Dugger (R), specifies that the exclusion from eligibility in any demand-side program offered by an electrical corporation of certain tax credits will not apply to low-income programs and their participants. Voted do pass out of the House Utilities Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1463 Introduced by Representative Montecillo (D), changes the distribution of certain local sales tax revenues. Referred to the House General Laws Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1659 Introduced by Representative Torpey (R), allows the City of Kansas City to establish a land bank agency for the management, sale, transfer, and other disposition of tax delinquent land to return it to specified effective use. Referred to the House International Trade and Job Creation Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1661 Introduced by Representative Hoskins (R), changes provisions relating to tax deductions for job creation by small businesses. Second read in the House on Tuesday. HB 1661 Introduced by Representative Hoskins (R), changes provisions relating to tax deductions for job creation by small businesses. Referred to the House Small Business Committee on Thursday.

HB 1673 Introduced by Representative Ellinger (D), increases the excise tax on cigarettes of 17 cents per pack of 20 cigarettes by 4 cents per pack per year for four years until the excise tax on cigarettes reaches 33 cents per pack. First read in the House on Tuesday.

HJR 74 Introduced by Representative Koenig (R), proposes a constitutional amendment relating to income, earnings, and sales taxes. First read in the House on Tuesday.

HB 1182 Introduced by Representative Parkinson (R), authorizes an income tax deduction from a taxpayer’s Missouri adjusted gross income for all income earned as a temporary election staff member. Heard in the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday.

HB 1172 Introduced by Representative Franz (R), establishes the Developmental Disability Care Provider Tax Credit Program and changes the laws regarding the Residential Treatment Agency Tax Credit Program. Referred to the House Special Standing Committee on Disability Services on Thursday.

VETERANS

HB 1093 Introduced by Representative Elmer (R), allows for a special license plate for a person who has received the Navy Cross. Voted do pass out of the House Rules Committee on Monday.

HJR 45 Introduced by Representative Solon (R), proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the State Lottery Commission to develop and sell a Veterans Lottery Ticket to support the Veterans Commission Capital Improvement Trust Fund. Reported do pass out of the House Rules Committee on Monday.

HB 1098 Introduced by Representative Shumake (R), adds veterans’ charitable organizations to the zoning exception regarding the establishment of a retail business selling donated goods in an area where other businesses engage in retail sales. Heard in the House Veterans Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1099 Introduced by Representative Fitzwater (R), designates March 26 of each year as “Veterans of Operation Iraq/Enduring Freedom Day”. Perfected in the House on Tuesday.

HB 1100 Introduced by Representative Fitzwater (R), designates March 30 of each year as “Vietnam Veterans Day”. Perfected in the House on Tuesday.

HB 1105 Introduced by Representative Day (R), allows the Adjutant General to waive the maximum age requirement for a member of the state militia. Perfected in the House on Tuesday.

HB 1110 Introduced by Representative Barnes (R), allows a circuit court to establish a veterans treatment court to dispose of criminal cases which stem from substance abuse or mental illness of military veterans or current military personnel. Referred to the House Veterans Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1128 Introduced by Representative Largent (R), authorizes the presentation of a Missouri National Guard Overseas Training Ribbon, a Missouri National Guard State Partnership Program Ribbon, and the Order of Minuteman Award. Referred to the House Rules Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1297 Introduced by Representative Davis (R), changes the laws regarding the professional licensure and certification requirements of current and former military personnel. Referred to the House Professional Registration Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1303 Introduced by Representative Kelly (D), creates the Missouri Veterans Fund within the Missouri Gaming Commission to accept certain donations by patrons of excursion gambling boats to support Missouri veterans homes. Heard in the House Veterans Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1347 Introduced by Representative Franz (R), gives a bidding preference in a state contract for products and services manufactured, produced, or assembled by certain veteran-owned businesses headquartered in Missouri. Referred to the House Rules Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1517 Introduced by Representative Nolte (R), authorizes the issuance of a military medallion, medal, and certificate to certain veterans who served in specified conflicts regardless of whether they are or ever were legal Missouri residents. Referred to the House Rules Committee on Tuesday.

HCR 12 Introduced by Representative Davis (R), designates the Honor and Remember Flag as the State of Missouri’s emblem of service and sacrifice of service men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty. Referred to the House Rules Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1680 Introduced by Representative Davis (R), changes the Hero at Home program to the Show-Me Heroes program to include active duty and recently separated United States military personnel. Second read in the House on Wednesday.

HB 1696 Introduced by Representative Cookson (R), exempts veterans from any state fees associated with obtaining a concealed carry endorsement. Second read in the House on Wednesday.

HJR 76 Introduced by Representative Wyatt (R), proposes a constitutional amendment exempting a portion of a veteran’s homestead property from property tax based on his or her degree of service-connected disability. Second read in the House on Wednesday.

SB 564 Introduced by Senator Brown (R), waives the motorcycle roads skills test for members of the armed forces who have successfully completed certain military motorcycle rider training courses. Reported to the House and first read on Wednesday.

HJR 76 Introduced by Representative Wyatt (R), proposes a constitutional amendment exempting a portion of a veteran’s homestead property from property tax based on his or her degree of service-connected disability. Second read in the House on Thursday.

HJR 79 Introduced by Representative Schieffer (D), proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the State Lottery Commission to develop and sell a Veterans’ Lottery Ticket to support the Veterans Commission Capital Improvement Trust Fund. First read in the House on Thursday.

OTHER

HB 1141 Introduced by Representative Gatschenberger (R), changes the laws regarding the “Don’t Tread on Me” special license plate. Reported do pass out of the House Rules Committee on Monday.

HB 1621 Introduced by Representative Wanda Brown (R), makes it an unlawful employment practice to discriminate against an individual because such individual has a concealed carry endorsement or uses or has used a firearm for any lawful purpose. Referred to the House General Laws Committee on Monday.

HB 1635 Introduced by Representative Still (D), allows a person to pay the $25 emblem-use fee to the Missouri State Humane Association for a I’m Pet Friendly special license plate at the time of registration for deposit in the Missouri Pet Spay-Neuter Fund. Second read on Monday.

HB 1637 Introduced by Representative Curtman (R), recognizes gold and silver as legal tender. Second read on Monday. HB 1637 Introduced by Representative Curtman (R), recognizes gold and silver as legal tender. Referred to the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday.

HB 1638 Introduced by Representative Curtman (R), repeals authority for political subdivisions to regulate open carrying of firearms and requires certain local ordinances incorporate statutory justifications. Second read on Monday.

HB 1644 Introduced by Representative Barnes (R), modifies the licensing period for certain licenses issued by the Missouri Gaming Commission. Second read on Monday.

HCR 3 Introduced by Representative Scharnhorst (R), submits to Congress a proposed federal balanced budget amendment to the United States Constitution. Reported do pass out of the House Rules Committee on Monday.

HCR 13 Introduced by Representative Loehner (R), supports the use of unbiased scientific research and data regarding the management practices for rivers and streams. Reported do pass out of the House Rules Committee on Monday.

SB 464 Introduced by Senator Schaaf (R), prohibits the establishment and operation of health insurance exchanges in Missouri unless certain criteria are met. Second read in the House on Monday.

SB 750 Introduced by Senator Schmitt (R), relating to health care providers. First read in the Senate on Monday.

HCS HB 1108 Introduced by Representative Lauer (R), requires a telecommunications company to provide caller location information in certain emergency situations. Voted do pass out of the House Utilities Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1136 Introduced by Representative Molendorp (R), prohibits any person from smoking or using tobacco products in any area or on the grounds of a state correctional facility beginning July 1, 2013. Referred to the House Corrections Committee on Tuesday.

HCS HB 1324 Introduced by Representative Loehner (R), affirms the right of Missouri citizens to raise livestock in a humane manner without the state imposing an undue burden on their owners. Voted do pass out of the House Agriculture Committee on Tuesday and referred to the Rules Committee on Wednesday.

HB 1404 Introduced by Representative Reiboldt (R), designates the month of December as “Pet Breeders Appreciation Month”. House Agriculture Committee on Tuesday.

HCS HB 1444 Introduced by Representative Jason Smith (R), prohibits the sterilization, adoption, euthanasia, or other disposal of animals seized or removed from an owner until final disposition of the charges against the owner. Voted do pass out of the House Agriculture Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1488 Introduced by Representative Pollock (R), changes the laws regarding the regulation of public utilities. Heard in the House Utilities Committee on Tuesday.

HB 1657 Introduced by Representative Webber (D), prohibits a state agency from contracting with or providing economic development assistance to companies that perform work at a site outside of the United States. Second read in the House on Tuesday.

HB 1670 Introduced by Representative Day (R), requires only persons younger than 21 years of age to wear protective headgear when operating or riding as a passenger on any motorcycle or motortricycle. First read in the House on Tuesday.

HB 1674 Introduced by Representative Scharnhorst (R), allows the Department of Revenue to disclose information to the public regarding the annual number of cigarettes sold by each tobacco product manufacturer. First read in the House on Tuesday.

HCR 30 Introduced by Representative Hampton (R), strongly urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to re-examine the flood plan, manage the rivers to avoid devastating flooding, and rebuild damaged levies. Offered in the House on Tuesday.

HCS HJR 61 Introduced by Representative Loehner (R), proposes a constitutional amendment affirming the right of persons to raise livestock in a humane manner without the state imposing an undue economic burden on their owners. Voted do pass out of the House Agriculture Committee on Tuesday, referred to the House Rules Committee on Wednesday.

HB 1051 Introduced by Representative Allen (R), requires the State Auditor to perform, on a one-time basis, a comparative audit of at least five, but no more than 10, of the largest state agencies. Referred to the House Rules Committee on Wednesday.

HB 1381 Introduced by Representative Bahr (R), prohibits the use of a global positioning system or other technology to monitor the mileage traveled by a motor vehicle in order to impose any mileage tax. Heard in the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday.

HB 1513 Introduced by Representative Franz (R), prohibits any state law from providing an animal a right, privilege, or legal status that is equivalent to or exceeds those of a human being. Referred to the House Rules Committee on Wednesday.

HB 1694 Introduced by Representative Tishaura Jones (D), changes the “Missouri Women’s Council” special license plate to the “Breast Cancer Awareness” special license plate. Second read in the House on Wednesday.

HB 1697 Introduced by Representative Sommer (R), designates the first week of August as Animal Rescue Week in Missouri. First read in the House on Wednesday.

HCR 8 Introduced by Representative Guernsey (R), disapproves the State Tax Commission’s proposed state regulation regarding the value of each grade of agricultural and horticultural land for the 2013,2014 assessment years under Section 137.021 RSMo. Voted do pass out of the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday referred to the Rules Committee on Thursday.

SB 592 Introduced by Senator Lager (R), modifies the law relating to the Missouri Human Rights Act and employment discrimination. Reported to the House and first read on Wednesday.

HB 1219 Introduced by Representative Elmer (R), changes the laws regarding unlawful discriminatory employment practices as they relate to the Missouri Human Rights Act and establishes the Whistleblower Protection Act. Third read and pass through the House on Thursday.

HB 1329 Introduced by Representative Silvey (R), authorizes the issuance of a permit for the temporary operation of a motor vehicle or trailer by a buyer and changes the laws regarding motor vehicle registration and the I’m Pet Friendly license plate. Third read and passed through the House on Thursday.

HB 1436 Introduced by Representative Newman (D), adds an individual with mental disabilities to the list of people who must be afforded the same rights as those without disabilities in public places and the right to be accompanied by a service dog. Referred to the House Special Standing Committee on Disability Services on Thursday.

HB 1713 Introduced by Representative Grisamore (R), adds prescribed, medically necessary hearing aids to the list of services covered under MO HealthNet. First read in the House on Thursday.

HB 1714 Introduced by Representative Grisamore (R), adds comprehensive day rehabilitation services beginning soon after trauma for individuals with disabling impairments to the list of services covered under MO HealthNet benefits. First read in the House on Thursday.

HJR 78 Introduced by Representative Schad (R), proposes a constitutional amendment requiring all meetings of apportionment commissions to be conducted in public. First read in the House on Thursday.